Andaman and Nicobar
Explanation
The territory of India extends beyond the mainland into the oceanic regions. The southernmost point of the entire Indian Union is known as Indira Point. It is geographically distinct from Kanyakumari, which is the southernmost point of the Indian mainland.
Detailed Analysis
- Location: Indira Point is located in the Great Nicobar island, which is the southernmost island of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in the Bay of Bengal.
- Coordinates: It is situated at approximately 6°45' North latitude. This places it closer to the equator than the Indian mainland (which begins at 8°4' N).
- Historical Context: Formerly known as Pygmalion Point or Parsons Point, it was renamed in honor of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- 2004 Tsunami: A significant portion of the area around Indira Point subsided and was submerged under the sea during the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
- Comparison with other options:
- Lakshadweep: This is an archipelago in the Arabian Sea, located to the west of the Kerala coast. It does not contain Indira Point.
- Maldives and Sri Lanka: These are sovereign island nations in the Indian Ocean and are not part of Indian territory.
Key Takeaway
Indira Point is the southernmost tip of the Indian Union, located in the Great Nicobar Island of the Andaman and Nicobar group, whereas Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of the mainland.